Before Your Visit

You should refrain from taking antihistamines for one week prior to your initial visit since they interfere with skin testing. Asthma medications, such as inhaled or oral corticosteroids, leukotriene antagonists, cromolyn, and inhaled or oral bronchodilators (beta agonists or theophylline compounds) should not be stopped. If you have any questions about withholding medications, call 410-550-2300.

Please read and complete any forms that have been sent and be sure to bring any pertinent medical records and x-rays to your first appointment. You should also bring a list of medications you may be taking, or the medications themselves. Visit our maps & directions.

Day of Your Visit

Initial Evaluation

Your initial evaluation will last one to three hours, depending on the amount of testing needed. You will be seen by one of our physicians, who will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination. The physician will conduct or schedule specific diagnostic tests. These might include skin testing, spirometry, blood tests, or x-rays. The physician also will review the results of these tests with you and propose a specific treatment plan. After your visit, our findings and recommendations will be sent to your referring physician.

Spirometry - Spirometry is an easily performed test that measures the amount of air the lungs can hold and the rate at which air can be exhaled. It is used to diagnose conditions such as asthma and to assess response to therapy.

Skin Testing - Skin testing to determine sensitivity to a variety of substances typically requires about 90 minutes to complete. This may be done at your initial visit or scheduled for a subsequent visit.

About our Doctors

To meet the national demand for advances in treating allergies, asthma, and other immunologic and respiratory disorders, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has created the Johns Hopkins Asthma & Allergy Center, located at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Campus. Our faculty and staff have special expertise and interest in helping patients with allergies, asthma, and other immunologic disorders. Our physicians are known worldwide and provide quality and compassionate care for patients with diseases of all severities.

One of the largest facilities of its kind in the world, the Johns Hopkins Asthma & Allergy Center attracts a large share of research funding to bring relief to people with these disorders. Most staff members are also engaged in research aimed at increasing our understanding of asthma and allergic diseases, and strive to apply new discoveries to patient care as rapidly as possible.

One of the Center's functions is to train physicians who wish to specialize in treating people with allergies, asthma, immunological and other respiratory disorders. That is why each faculty member usually is assisted by another physician who has completed training in internal medicine or pediatrics and who is committing two to three additional years to specialty training.

Payment

The initial comprehensive evaluation includes a detailed history and physical exam. Any laboratory tests, as well as skin testing, spirometry, and allergy injections, are billed separately and are not part of the initial fee. We expect payment at time of service. For your convenience, payment may be made with credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), cash, check or money order. We will assist you in filing for any health insurance reimbursements.